The best, most potent and most stable form of Vitamin C.
Makes quite a difference to the appearance of mature, photo-damaged skin - don't expect results over night but with consistent use your skin will look more even and radiant!.. ...»

I ordered the 50 gm after being very pleased with the smaller size. Although it's pricey the quality is outstanding. This is the safest way to add Vit C to your formulations as it's not nearly as fussy as the powder. I've made both serums and creams with this product and have been very pleased with the outcomes! Highly recommend!.. ...»

I started experimenting with DIY skin care about 5-6 months ago, then I found Bulk Actives. A one shop DIY shop.
LLA powder is beautiful to work with, easy to dissolve, and price is absolutely to die for. Mixed with other powders and oils it is a great serum. .. ...»

Very finely milled powder, great quality. I don't have difficulty dissolving it in my regular toner.
I add FE, HA and Vit E with the mixture to make a serum. Shipping time is as promised. Thank you BulkActives!
.. ...»

Im 45 years old; average looking skin for my age. Applied a small pea sized amount of Sea Kelp Bioferment to my face full strength in the am after washing my face of previous night makeup.; let face "dry". Then aplied my foundation as always. Noticed my thick, heavy foundation applied more easily and smooth. Keep in mind this is DAY TWO of me using this. TWO women at work ( separate departments) commented how wonderful my face looked! One specifically came up to me and asked what I was.. ...»

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What we sell

We sell COSMETIC RAW MATERIALS, which are meant to be used at an appropriate percentage in a cosmetic formulation of your devising. Please do not order our products unless you know how to formulate creams and lotions with it!

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Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is a molecule derived from vitamin C and isopalmitic acid. Pure vitamin C has several drawbacks for cosmeceutical use, most important of which is the low stability. Chemically modified vitamin molecules are more stable, and pure vitamin is released from the derivatives inside the body. Therefore, the effects of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate are similar to those of vitamin C, most importantly it is able to act as an antioxidant. Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate reduces the production of oxidizing agents, which contribute to cell damage after exposure to UV or chemical hazards. This effect is even stronger in the modified molecule than in pure vitamin C. Additionally, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate protects against DNA damage and skin darkening caused by UV exposure. Finally, skin visual appearance is also improved by Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, as it promotes collagen synthesis and acts as a hydrating agent in reducing skin roughness.

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (also tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbate, or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is a molecule derived from vitamin C. It is produced by combining one molecule of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with four molecules of tetraisopalmitic acid, a fatty acid found in butter and other sources. Although it was developed only recently, its safety for human use has been thoroughly tested [1], [2]. While pure vitamin C has many clinical and cosmetical benefits, it degrades easily and its delivery through skin is ineffective. Furthermore, sudden high doses of ascorbic acid may be toxic to cells, so several modified versions of this vitamin have been developed [3], [4]. Inside the body cells, any modifications are removed and pure vitamin C is released. In the case of Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, more than 80 % of the vitamin C content is released successfully [1]. An additional benefit of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is that it is soluble in lipids, such as oils, and thus its uptake through the skin is easier. The pH of this derivative (around 4.0-6.0) is also more compatible with skin than that of pure ascorbic acid [5].

In this way, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate retains all the beneficial effects of vitamin C. For example, while the Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate molecule itself is not able to act as an antioxidant, it is proven to protect skin cells from oxidizing stress. It reduces the levels of free radicals, produced by certain chemicals or UV radiation, proving that vitamin C is effectively released [1], [6]. It is also able to protect the skin cell DNA from mutations caused by UV exposure and increase the cell viability [2].

Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate was also shown to improve the physical appearance of the skin. A formulation with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate acts as a moisturizer, improving the smoothness of the skin. It was also shown to increase the thickness of epithelial layer in mice [5]. Vitamin C is well known for the ability to activate collagen synthesis, and Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate also retains this effect. In fact, the derivative had an even stronger effect, compared with the same concentrations of vitamin C [2]. Furthermore, it was shown to inhibit the collagen-degrading enzymes, thus it additionally helps maintain higher skin collagen content and improved visual appearance [2].

Furthermore, a cream containing 3 % Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate was shown to reduce skin darkening. This is explained by the fact that skin cells, treated with Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, do not activate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in response to UV radiation [1]. Preparation with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and flavonoids (a group of plant-produced molecules) had an even stronger effect, reducing skin damage and inflammatory response after UV exposure [7]. Using a combination of several antioxidants also increase the stability and thus the shelf-life of final product. Therefore, researchers suggest combining Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate with plant extracts and other vitamins [7], [8]

About Vitamin C derivatives in Skin Care

"Most vitamin C derivatives on the market, including ascorbyl palmitate and magnesuim ascorbyl phosphate, consist of the ascorbic acid fragment (ascorbyl) and a fragment of another acid (e.g. palmitate or phosphate). Recent research indicates that new vitamin C derivatives, such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, consisting of multiple chemical fragments bound to a single ascorbic acid fragment may work even better. These new derivatives are more stable compared to both vitamin C and older derivatives. Furthermore, some of these newcomers (particularly the so-called tetrasubstituted lipophilic ascorbates) also appear to be more powerful boosters of collagen synthesis." Dr. G. Todorov, Vitamin C Derivatives, smartskincare.com

L-ascorbic acid with Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate in a waterless silicone base
"Ten patients having facial photodamage were recruited for a double-blind pilot study of a newly formulated vitamin C ,complex having 10% ascorbic acid, a water soluble acid, and 7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a lipid soluble analog. Both of these are combined in an anhydrous polysilicone gel base, which acts as a 'dermal patch,' releasing the water soluble acid slowly and the lipid soluble analog rapidly. The active vitamin C complex was applied to one side of the face and the inactive placebo base was applied to the opposite side of the face once a day."Source: Fitzpatrick RE, Rostan EF. Double-blind, half-face study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage. Dermatology Associates of San Diego County, Inc. 92024, USA. Read more